As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up for the 2025 Major League Baseball season, they find themselves in a unique predicament: an abundance of talent coupled with limited roster space. This challenge has intensified with the recent signing of infielder Kik Hernandez, compelling the Dodgers’ front office to make critical decisions that may prompt trades before the season even begins.
The Dodgers boast a formidable roster that includes stars like Will Smith, Austin Barnes, Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, Teoscar Hernandez, Michael Conforto, Tommy Edman, and Miguel Rojas. With such a wealth of talent, the team faces the daunting task of finalizing a 26-man roster that currently has only two available spots. Complicating matters further, four players—Ha-seong Kim, James Outman, Chris Taylor, and Andy Pages—are vying for those coveted positions.
Ha-seong Kim, a recent addition, is expected to be a strong contender for a roster spot, especially if he performs well during spring training. His potential success could place significant pressure on Outman, Taylor, and Pages, who may find themselves on the trading block.
Among these potential trade candidates, Chris Taylor, who signed a four-year, $60 million contract after the 2021 season, stands out. Although his contract does not include a trade veto clause, it carries a $2 million bonus that he would receive if traded. Additionally, his 2026 option escalates by $1 million if a trade occurs between the end of the 2024 season and the start of the 2026 season.
Andy Pages, another player who could be on the move, has been with the Dodgers since nearly being traded in 2020. He made his major league debut last season, finishing with a respectable .247 batting average over 155 days of MLB service. With one year left on his option, Pages is seen as a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster its roster.
James Outman, who had an impressive rookie season and finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, has faced a decline in performance during 2024. His batting average dropped to .265, with increased strikeout rates and diminished home run and walk numbers. This regression led to more time spent in Triple-A, which could further influence his standing with the Dodgers.
As the organization navigates these tough roster decisions, the impact of trades could be significant for the upcoming season. The Dodgers’ ability to maintain a competitive edge while managing their excess talent will be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike.
With the season approaching, the Dodgers’ front office is tasked with the challenging dilemma of determining who stays and who goes. As speculation mounts, fans are eager to weigh in on which players they believe will be traded. The excitement surrounding these developments adds another layer to the anticipation of the 2025 season for the Los Angeles Dodgers.